Payne's Dock and Mahogany Shoals

Another perfect weekend at Payne’s Dock!

Best Marine facility in New England. Exceptional Staff!

This was our first time docking at Payne’s. Everything was wonderful! When you’re there, you immediately feel like family, and there are so many friendly people. The dockhands were super helpful too. Thank you for an outstanding experience! We will be back for sure!

They were great helping us in and out of the marina! Mudslides were excellent too! We had a great stay!

Great crew! Quiet here after Hurricane Henri and it was great! Planning more visits this Fall

First time back after 35 years. With all the craziness of the world it was great to being our grandchildren back to a place we loved before we even were married. Like stepping back in time! The daily fresh donuts! The family owned business with that personal touch. We’ll be back and it won’t let 35 years go by before we do!!!

Usually don't post reviews, but after reading a few, thought I would. We have usually stayed at either Champlins or on a mooring prior to this year. We would stop at Payne's by dinghy, but were concerned that it might be too much of a [email protected]!# show for us. The Champlins world changed this year. So we tried Payne's. We were there for 10 nights (though one night was off-island due to my son's need for medical attention). We had a great time. People were as friendly and helpful as could be. They couldn't get us in right away because seas were rough that day and no one was leaving. But Cliff put us out on a mooring for a few hours and called us when it was time to come in. Do they raft you? Yes, but we have a sport fish, so people come through our cockpit and we met some great people that way. We told them that we had to leave by 9 Sunday morning - even though we were wedged in, we were out at 8:50 (after delaying our departure twice). Bar and music were great - just the right volume. I saw some of the complaints - we make our own ice and shower in our boat. They put in a ladder for us to get on and off the boat. Yes, line to get food is long on weekend mornings. Next time I go there (and I will), I will bring a splitter for my hose because there are clearly not enough water outlets. Does seem like an easy fix if they wanted to do the work. One issue that I had is that there was a slight voltage drop on the weekends when the place was full and everyone was using their AC. This impacted my salon AC only on weekend days and caused me to spend over $200 on a new controller (didn't fix the problem). For those who complained about being 6 boats out on the end - Payne's appears to try to get everyone in. Block is really, really busy this summer. Never seen it like this. If you don't want to be 6 boats out, don't show up Friday night through Sunday morning with high expectations of where you'll land. Overall, went with no expectations and we were very happy. But you do have to be flexible - you may be rafted, you may be moved at some point if you were way out or are blocking boats that have to leave. If you want your own slip at a floating dock and don't want to interact with other boaters, don't come here. And the staff does not tolerate anything over the line. The guy in front of us threatened some kids and was promptly tossed out of the marina. Good job. See you in '22.

Always out of ice. Have to pay for gross showers. Bathrooms have three stalls and always a line Fast food takes over an hour. Not enough hose cock's. Not enough ladders to get off your boat 6 foot under dock. Everyone is rafted up.

Hello and thank you for reaching out. I love your app and your service model, unfortunately, not all the marinas that you deal with follow through. We booked a three night stay at Paynes Marina approximately six weeks ago. Upon arrival, we were informed that we would not have a slip and were rafted five boats out from the dock with no power or water available to us. After speaking with the office, they informed us that there was no slip and no alternative. However, they did say that they would move us to a slip the next day, which in fact, they did. The second and third evenings of our stay were most enjoyable and very much to our satisfaction. I believe that we deserve a full refund or at least a full Dockwa credit for day one of our visit. Thank you for advocating on our behalf. Peter Conway

super helpful and polite dock attendants! Prompt office attendant visit too. Marina is safe clean and has good food and fun bar.

Overall a great stay. The only problem I have with Paynes is you can't leave when you want as you will be blocked in by numerous boats. We have to get home but here we sit until about 4 other boats leave first.

Over crowded Not easy to communicate with their staff ...they direct you not to call them or use vhf...stating they wont answer Put us in shallow water (no slip ...moored to other boat) and had to come and go based on high tide...

DID NOT STAY CANCELLED RESERVATION 5 DAYS AHEAD OF ARRIVAL DATE JUST SAW EMAIL THAT I WAAS CHARGED!

Great folks and a great place!!!

Complete shit show! After circling in high winds and with a damaged prop for 1/2 hour amongst 4 other boats we called the office. Asked why we were watching people without reservations getting in before us. ‘Reservations don’t really matter’ we were told.. “dockhands are busy and will get to you when they can”. 1.5 hours later we were brought in and rafted up to another boat (raft ended up being 6 boats long) and the marina owner told our neighboring boat who complained ‘if you don’t like it than leave’. 11 of us 35’ - 60’ boats ended up being rafter stern to stern, 6 in one row and 5 in another. Couldn’t even see the water. Drunk people were scampering across the boats at all hours of day and night. Our boat now has foot prints, dog prints and rub marks all over the decking and sides. For that much $ it is a joke! If you expect it, fine. But we had no idea THAT was the culture there and will not return.

Very welcoming and always feel at home

The usual, raft two, three deep, falling going over boats not comfortable on, having to move boat a couple times- the usual.

Had a great time. Will return again.

Payne’s is great if you know what to expect - it’s very old school block island with No frills whatsoever and they like it that way. You often get boxed in or rafted off other boats but it all mostly works. It would be nice if they monitored VHF but the preferred, well only, means of communication is shouting with them from the (usually inaccessible) fuel dock. But good people, good times.

Friendly staff….close to town. Great waterside bar. Had a great stay here.

I just had an awesome vacation! Thank you so much!

Crowded but fun….. great dock hands!!!

One of the best times I’ve had the whole crew was outstanding

Payne’s Dock is perfect!!

Great as always love coming every year

A very friendly and helpful staff. The location is a boaters paradise. Great time!

HORRIBLE! We made a reservation that was confirmed. We get to Paynes and the person that answered phone had no idea we had a reservation, told us to sit and wait. There are a ton of boats head of us who are looking for a dock. Then he hung up. I attempted to cancel reservation for a full refund and their phone lines weren’t working all of a sudden. terrible experience

Going on 5 years since we started coming to BI. Paynes has all the necessary amenities to enjoy your stay on the Island. I recommend renting bikes for an easy day tour of the island.

This was our first stay at any marina away from our home marina and we stayed 9 nights. The staff was friendly and everything was very clean. The boardwalk area with bar and restaurant have a great family vibe during the day and great party vibe at night. Don't miss the spicy Bloody Mary at the Shoals! Awesome stay; highly recommended!

This was our first time staying at Paynes, the dock hands were absolutely AMAZING , so helpful and excellent at what the do! We had a blast! We love Block! Thank you for the great Memories Paynes!! See you next year!

Fantastic as it always has been for the past 16 years !!!!! They are top shelf in all respects

I really like this place. Staff is friendly and very helpful. The bathrooms and shower area where clean for the amount of traffic they had on forth of July weekend. I definitely would stay here again .

Not having the bar at the end of the dock is nice. Much more of a relaxed feeling compared to Champlains. Not a million people walking down the docks. Dock hands were very nice and efficient.

Paynes Dock is an amazing docking facility on Block Island. The staff is amazing. A great restaurant bar are on Premises. They go the extra mile to make sure your Vacation is perfect. I will always return to Paynes. It is in the perfect location. I give it 10 stars!

Let us come early at the last minute to beat some weather and took great care of us while we were there. Great food and Tiki bar right on the dock.

Loud music allowed all night long. One boat kept us awake until well after 2pm

Cliff, Sands and the rest of the team are some of the the nicest people you will ever meet on BI. Be sure to call them as they don't have any VHF radios.

Perfect place. Hopping on the weekend. Great staff. Read the instructions before arriving. They do not monitor VHF. Pull up to the fuel dock and they will direct you to your slip.

Location is great. Dockmaster / Owner is not a nice guy. This observation of many years of going to Block. I got the same attitude 2 weeks ago with virtually no boats in the marina. I will go to Champlin's!

Coming to Block Island and Payne’s Dock is like coming home. Need I say more🤗

The best place to dock on block. Family run family fun. Would recommend with confidence. Say hi to Cliff when your there. Mike.

First time there and we will definitely be back! Although the marina was crowded, the dock hands were fantastic, giving us expert guidance as we pulled into and out of our slip. The location is scenic and near everything - a perfect port in every way!

Great stay, everything was perfect.

Awesome except for the folks who were NOT being socially respectful and wear a mask. Even when RI had its COVID-19 numbers spike causing all on the Island to potentially have to go into hiding for 14 days when returning home to the other NE states and NY.

Payne's staff were great. I will go back there again. Please thank them for grest service. Big Karl

Payne's Dock itself is not a bad place to stay (not top of the list). My experience is this (you decide whether you'd choose to stay here or not). - Called the day before arrival to inform them we were not going to make it for sunday stay but would be there Monday. Response was ok, no problem. Then Rudely stated "I don't have time to deal with that right now, Just come here tomorrow and we will deal with it then." I then sent a message immediately on Dockwa to ensure we were on the same page. - Arrived Monday morning per reservation change. - They do not monitor a VHF channel, you have to call them on the phone, I did. - Called Payne's phone, This is the vessel *****, I am here for my reservation. Can you tell me where I should go and also which side to set my lines and fenders? Response: "I don't even know what you have for a boat, how long you plan on staying or where I'm putting you, just pull over to the flag pole". - Pulled over to the flag pole (no lines or fenders ready for obvious reasons). guy yelling from the dock (couldn't hear him) telling me he doesn't have me on the reservation list. Also yelled that I need to go through Dockwa to reserve. See prior notes. I stated that we spoke yesterday and also did go through Dockwa and have the reservation as changed in Dockwa. He was EXTREMELY rude (complete opposite of Champlin's- a little more $$ but well worth it). - Told me where to go and worked with the other boaters to squeeze me into a spot, tied me up then walked away. Didn't say anything about the place, what I'm supposed to do for anything except where the power was. I could not believe the rudeness of this individual (even the other person who I was with asked if this is how marinas usually treat their customers, I said not that I have ever experienced). That is my experience with Payne's. I would stay there again if it was my only choice otherwise I will choose a different location next time. Hopefully the management reads this and does something about this individual and their process, neither is good.

Great place to stay family owned and operated for many years . Best marina on block Island

Would not recommend. Upon arrival owner claimed had no room for my boat and was extremly short even though I explained I had a reservation and payment was excepted already. Called back again and they somehow found somewhere to tie up my boat. Dock Voltage was terrible couldn't run A/C. Boats tied up to each other and people walking across your boat to get to the dock. Extremly unsafe. Its amazing what you can get away with when it is a monolopy.

Place is so so. It’s nice that they have a small store, fuel, a bar and take out restaurant. Not fancy which is fine but it all serves it’s purpose. Biggest complaint is the bar plays music pretty loud until after midnight even on weekdays so forget about trying to get to sleep at a normal time. Annoying that they don’t put and end to it by 10 or even 11. I don’t think I’ll be going back.

Although I like the actual marina and the bar and restaurant, I will not stay at Payne's again. Arrival is too stressful. Unlike other marinas, you cannot call the office on the radio or phone. If you try, no one answers, ever. You are sent an email telling you to go to the gas dock and someone will tell you what slip to pull into. The problem is, it can take awhile to get someone's attention to even notify them that you are there and when you do, if there are other boats waiting in front of you, you must wait your turn. When you are waiting, you have to do your best to keep your boat in one place and there is not much space to keep your boat in neutral. You must move forward, backwards, neutral etc, taking into consideration the tides and the wind, which can move you alot and you need to make sure you don't hit any of the big passing boats, the boats that are on moorings near you or any of the dozens of people that buzz by on dingys in front of and behind your boat, while you are waiting... This was way too stressful. We will stay at another marina next time.

Disappointing interaction with the owner. Asked us to squeeze into a very small spot and then cancelled our reservation. It was very unprofessional.

Friendly marina. Everyone we interacted with were beyond helpful and friendly. Clean showers. The bar was a great night spot. Wish we had more time to spend at Payne’s. We’ll be back for sure

Always a great time!

We had a reservation but when we got there it was really just first come first served. The boats were rafted, 4 deep in some places. We have difficulty with the power going out. We also had two periods when the water pressure was so low it was a mere trickle. The was NO social distancing and the bar was packed with unmasked people. This is a poorly run marina with fire code violations. People were grilling in their boats and on the dock. When I called about our power issue, the owner Sands Payne told me he couldn’t help me. When my husband couldnt find anyone to pay for ice Sands told him to steal it. The state should shut them down.

Super helpful staff, clean bathrooms and showers, great location

Block Island is a wonderful location and Payne’s Marina is conveniently located inside a harbor that offers reasonably good protection. I was surprised when we entered the marina and phoned the dock master, he indicated that they don’t use a marine VHF radio to give instructions. I was shocked that we were not going to COMMUNICATE with each other until we got within shouting distance. We had to wait several minutes circling around waiting for someone to give instructions to us. It just seemed kind of weird. The docks were in good shape, the bathrooms were spotless, there was an excellent bar with fair prices at the base of the dock but the electric outlets were not pedestal based so there was a plug in near the slip and the breaker located in a breaker box yards away. Not typical for a five star rated marina. Bottom line though is I would return with I feel is a pretty good endorsement.

Always a great time with great people!

Had a wonderful time. The staff are absolutely amazing with boats - how they maneuver all of them in and out is very interesting to see. They are also friendly and courteous. The bar mahogany shoals is a great meeting place in a spectacular spot amongst the boats. Only remember to BRING CASH since the bar only takes cash. Otherwise outstanding!

Great location, good power and water connections. Marina was very helpful during docking. Can't wait to return.

The one thing they could add is wi-fi. Most marinas have it. The live entertainment provided on Friday and Saturday at the outdoor bar from 4 to 7 PM is a disturbance to the boaters...this boater at least.

Staff was fabulous getting boat into tight fits. Excellent location.

Awesome as always . Never a bad time.

Great location close to food and drink. A little nutty that they don’t use a radio to tell you where you’re berthed. But it builds character.

Great location good bar ,short walk to good restaurants. Only short fall was they would shut off the shore power and water every afternoon. Dont know if it is a cost saving tactic or an island mandatory thing but was a bit frustrating. Would stay again though

It was a bit disconcerting that one does not call the marina via VHF nor telephone to get directions and instructions as to where are slip assignment was. This our first time at the marina and was totally unfamiliar with the layout. In some parts of the marina the depth of the water was below our draft of 5’ which made the maneuverability all the more challenging. We rafted alongside another sailboat, tight situation. The marina dock hands were very experienced and very nice and helpful. We will return now that we have a bit of the “lay of the land.”

Loved it here! Awesome marina with restaurant, bar, live music, and an overall great vibe. The staff was great too!

it was good. We were very lucky and did not have to raft off. We kept losing power as there was overload. The docks were hard to walk on as the power cords and hoses were everywhere.

The staff was helpful with getting tide up. But it was hard do communicate as to where go due to them not using radios. Also, the shore power kept going out and it was nearly impossible to find a place to plug in due to allow what seemed to be an endless amount of boats raft up.

4th of July week and crazy. Boats everywhere and rafted sometimes 4 deep. Cliff Payne and his crew did an awesome job keeping everything running smoothly. Definitely worth a stay. Beautiful island. We will be back

Easy access, alert and friendly staff, very nice facilities. Restaurants rental bikes and mopeds close nearby. Only gripes are that noise level can be a little loud from nearby bar and live entertainment and for $4 per foot per night, I would have expected the showers to be free. Otherwise, a great place.

More of a working marina, but bathrooms were pretty clean. Could be loud during the season as there is a bar with live music on the dock. Good location. No laundry, but fuel and showers.

Nice folks at the Marina, but there seems to be no limit to the number of "slip" reservations they will take. Had to tie up to other boats and then more tied up to us!

Fun place. Nice people. Helpful service. Terrible bathroom situation for guests.

Great place to stay for the week. Family had a blast!

Thanks for a great time - already looking forward to next year!!!!

Lots of activity. Fun place. Struggled with low voltage. Block Island/Payne’s should have a shuttle for visitors to/from town . Guess that would upset the taxi drivers. Ow well - Champlain’s has a shuttle.

Very popular spot with party atmosphere, thanks to onsite restaurant and bar. Walking distance to other restaurants/shops; town is 1¼ miles away. Was there for the shark tournament which was very crowded, but were told it’s that way all summer. Food was very good at Rebecca’s (onsite) and service was friendly. Raw bar available nightly, until clams and oysters run out (go before 6.) Bathrooms always open and clean, showers available 7am to 6pm with 25¢ meter for hot water. No wifi. You pay slip prices but there are no “slips”—everyone is rafted up, though you may be first on the dock. Dockmaster Sanders Payne and staff expertly tie you up and board your ship (surprise!) to raft others to you. We were 2nd from dock and had access to water and 50 amp electric. Lots of friendly boaters around us, mostly it’s great fun if you don’t mind the rafting. Cab service and tours available—we took Mig’s Rig and loved it.

We were three boats for three nights rafted together at the T in the fuel dock.. the last afternoon two dick hands boarded our boats without asking in order to tie another boat to our raft .... when we asked about boarding without asking he told us “that’s the way we do it here”....he then referred us to the dock master who threatened to cast us off. He continued to yell at us.... the captain and crew of the other boat lit a cigarette and crossed our boats within the stern rather than crossing the swim platform. We cancelled dinner plans in town in order to keep an eye out as the anger from the dock master was palpable. Other than that we had a great time. Rebecca’s restaurant on the dock was totally wonderful

I really like Payne's and expected it to be crowed over the July 4th holiday, but was unprepared for just how crowded it was. Not that I minded the crowd - actually fun - but there was not enough connections to water on the dock, which was disappointing. Also found it strange that the showers cost 25 cents. Shouldn't that be part of what we are paying for? Otherwise, great venue, fun bar on the dock (Mahogany Shoals), and great breakfast sandwiches at Rebecca's.

Well, a pretty nice & fun stay. Great swordfish at the restaurant! Amazingly skilled dock hands on how they moved the boats. But the entire visit was tainted by the fact that the dock hands decided to tie up boats to our raft up without asking for permission. In my 50 year of boating I have never had someone just come on my boat and without permission tying up someone else to my boat. Would have been ok if they asked but to be rude and just say "I f-ing cut your line if you don't shut up" is not something I have ever encountered at a marina from any marina manager of dock hand. I was just appalled at the attitude. Was told "this is how we do it". I hope the attitude changes as the place is otherwise a fun and happening place. Clean bathrooms, good food, close walk into town, etc.. Power supply was also an issue, I guess because the place was loaded for the 4th of July weekend. We had power but some of our friends had trouble and to be fair, one should not charge for power that is not being supplied. Just saying... However, all of this would probably not scare me from going back. I would just stay away from a super busy weekend and pick another time to visit. I hope they understand the issues and do better as they deserve good reviews, generally speaking. And if the owner or dock master ever comes to Annapolis, I guarantee a nice visit with courteous treatment! Thank you and keep up on the sword fish. Best ever!

Enjoyed our stay. Dock help was great getting us tied up. Easy walk to town. Great weekend.

We enjoyed staying at Paynes Dock ! We had lots of help waiting when we came in. We had our grandchild and they put us in a perfect spot so we could step right off onto the main dock. The bathrooms and shower where always clean . We enjoyed the entertainment and the food. There seemed to be something for everyone of all ages . We will be back soon and look forward to making Paynes our family vacation place.

We made a reservation on Dockwa (great service) and were expecting a nice visit. About 2 hours out started to try and call them to confirm and find out where to go. No one answered the phone. Made sure that I had the right number from their website and I did. Tried to call on VHF 9 and was told by another yard that they do not monitor any channels. Went to the dock and finally found someone to tell us where to dock. Docking was hard. We are a 34' sailboat that does not back up easily. After many attempts we finally made into a terrible slip. Going out was worse as there was no way to get out without hitting other boats. The people were ok when you could find them. The showers looked good, but require quarters to run. The food from the dockside cafe was good. We will never go back.

We have a new 72' Viking and, on arrival, were greeted by the the most arrogant dock staff we have ever encountered. Cussing with 4 letter words about our boating / docking protocols (wanted a dock line to bow pulpit and he did not think it necessary or a good protocol?). Moreover, he did not even bother to assist with lines, power, etc., which, in retrospect, was a good thing. And, as it turns out, the power is suspect as we could not get a reliable 2 x 50amp connection. It looks like they did not do the electric to code as there are no covers and extension cables are hanging under the docks. On top of that there was no wifi. So be very circumspect when deciding to use these people!!

The reservation through Dockwa led to a wonderful weekend at Payne's Dock. The staff were very very helpful with gas, docking and leaving. The bar was the only place on the island to have the big boxing match.

This is a great place as long as you don't mind rafting. The staff is very experienced and respectful of the needs of the boaters at their facility. We had a race from Newport to Block Island - we had about 7 boats arrive mid-afternoon on Saturday and Paines had us tied up within an hour.

Don't patronize this marina. They seem to cater to only mega-yachts. We made a reservation for two nights on Dockwa, they confirmed, and when we arrived, they said they had no room, and hung up the phone. When confronting the owner/manager in person (after taking a mooring), he denied not having room, and offered no apology. He couldn't have cared less. They don't use VHF, and when you call their phone, no one is in the office to answer it.

Excellent as always. The showers have been upgraded. Very nice

This is the closest marina to town so the location is good. A pool would be nice on a hot summer day.

A phenomenal family run marina on the island. Both their customers and their employee's have been at Payne's for generations. Both the owners and dockstaff are welcoming and available to help boaters as they arrive. This is the only marina on the island we ever go to.

Payne's Dock is a family friendly, casual Marina. The staff is very friendly and always ready to assist if needed. We can't to go back!

Friendly staff, good docks.

Having a reservation made no difference. Waited an hour in the harbor to get tied up but not to a slip was a raft it out six boats. They gave with reservations no advantage over people just pulling in they don't consider a reservation any asset to them I will never be making another reservation. And if I were you off my list of taking reservations for them or you'll have a lot of unhappy customer because I wasn't the only one that had reserved through you and what disappointed

We arrived in the pond, called to let them know we had arrived, they told us to stand by. So, we stood by floating for 3 hours while they took everyone that came after us! We feel that they kept us waiting because we called the dock master to inquire why boats that were arriving after us were taken before us. The other negative is that they do not monitor a radio channel. After awhile, they stopped answering our phone calls. We were finally rafted 6 boats out, so of coarse we had no access to electricity or water. We were facing another rafted six boats stern to, with generators a blazing (constant diesel exhaust). One of the stern to rafted boats near us, had constant blasting music, so loud as to upset many of the boaters surrounding them. This was our first, and last time here. The only upside to this place, was that it was a shorter walk to town. We advise others to try the other marinas first.

Would be helpful if the dock staff had some way of identifying themselves (e.g. shirt, hat, etc.). Then you would know who was dock staff vs just some guy hanging around which is what they look like. Facilities are ok. Showers excellent. Service mediocre (at best) - kind of feel like you are bothering them just to pay for a bag of ice. Mahagony shoals bar is fun.

Clean baths and showers with warm water. Good food. No private slips...they raft boats up as they come in. Be ready to walk over other boats to get to dock. Service is OK. Gasoline quality is no good, so have some stabilizer at hand. Great ambiance and location.

Juses H Christ!! IT'S "THERE" not "THEIR"!!